Settled on the beautiful high mesa county of Central New Mexico, Ranney Ranch is home to beautiful Angus cattle. Owners George, Edward, and Nancy Ranney are committed to the most humane handling techniques, sustainable land use management, and grazing practices.

Forty-three years ago, Miss Ruth made a promise to raise cattle in a humane way. Her grassfed herd grazes peacefully over the natural pastures in a carefree and serene environment. Today, Edgewood continues to honor and practice the same commitment to the welfare of its animals. The farm’s cows are grassfed without the use of hormones or antibiotics and are never confined to a feedlot. They always have access to forage throughout the surrounding pastures and woods, enjoying the sunshine and beautiful setting.

Program Director Andrew Gunther is pleased to announce that Animal Welfare Approved farmer Jeremiah Jones of GrassRoots Pork Company in Beulaville, North Carolina has been awarded the 2010 Glynwood Farmer Harvest Award. Glynwood, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable agriculture and farmland preservation, gives this award to highlight innovative work being done to increase access to fresh, locally produced food and to recognize leaders from across the country who are supporting regional agricultural systems.

“AWA nominated Jeremiah because he fits the profile perfectly. Not only is Jeremiah a truly great farmer, but as president of the North Carolina Natural Hog Growers Association, he gives of his time and talent tirelessly to lead a group of pasture-raised pig producers in developing niche markets and in the creation of best-practice standards,” says Andrew Gunther. “Several years ago when I first started to work in the U.S., this group was the first I helped set up. I was privileged to work with Jeremiah and the group to launch their marketing cooperative, thus assuring the group’s viability and stability.” NCNHGA is currently seeking new producers to join the cooperative as there is a growing demand for pastured pork. All members of the NCNHGA must be certified AWA, a commitment the group and its customers firmly stand by.

Animal Welfare Approved was pleased to join more than 30 organizations supporting family farmers at this year’s Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America. The AWA Farm Aid team, Beth, Emily and Brigid, arrived in Milwaukee excited to participate in Farm Aid Eve, FARMpardy (AWA’s version of JEOpardy) and, of course, the 25th Anniversary Farm Aid concert.

Dave Matthews: “The farmers on our good Earth are taking care of the land and taking care of our children.”

Neil Young: “Maybe you don’t realize what’s really going on with factory farms in this country, how they are displacing family farms at an alarming rate…Factory farms are the reason why we have food alerts. They are the reason why we have dying people and disease. Try to buy something from a family farm, something that’s sustainably grown. You deserve the best. Your children deserve the best.”

Cody and Rachelle Darby raise Animal Welfare Approved beef cattle on Darby Farms in Gilmer, TX. Their mission is to provide wholesome, organic, tender, and flavorful beef for a more sustainable, healthy community. Along with the help of their two daughters, Brynn and Josey, Cody and Rachelle manage about two hundred cows, all bred to registered Black Angus. They believe in the goodness of old traditions and practices- that is, simply providing a natural product to the public directly from the farm for the benefit of all.